A Week and a Day

Just eight more days to “D” day and thanks to all the help from my family, Team Survivor et al, Livestrong, and the YMCA I feel confident that I will enjoy the challenge and finish with a new beginning.

How exciting is that?

I don’t know if I’ve said this before, but I never, in a million years, thought I would ever do anything so physically challenging. Isn’t it amazing what our minds tell our bodies what it can and can’t do? In the last 9 weeks while working out on the treadmill at the YMCA I have read over and over again the words on the placard attached to the wall just a few feet in front of me. “Your body hears everything your mind says.” So I watch the thoughts I use when I am 1.5 into the 3 or half way up the never ending hill or surrounded by water and hearing nothing but the exhale of my breath. “You can do it” -- “don’t stop” -- “REACH” -- “ feel my strength” -- “ You Rock!”

Just little words...

Setting aside the obvious questions, tasks and plans such as type and size of my bike, clothing during the triathlon, diet and supplements, and training schedule, there is much to be said about other “little things” in the training regimen that make a difference in my belief in myself and this commitment I made in March.   Like:

When do I stop and let my body rest?
Yikes, why have a gained 5 pounds?
Wah Hoooooo I have a waist line again!
How can I fit in a workout during my lunch hour?
I’m sooooooo hungry!
Good grief, stop eating!
What other wonders will I get to experience?

Just little things…

I don’t know that I necessarily need any answers to the questions or responses to my statements as much as I am reveling in the fact that I am asking and pondering. Just as I did with my diagnosis, during my surgery, and now as a survivor I ask and ponder. How do I recognize the cancer and it’s affects without lending credit to it? How do I keep it in its place, honor the work that my body has done and with wisdom and respect, keep a watchful eye on this fickle and non respecter of persons?

I do this by watching my sisters that have busted the brush ahead of me. I hold on to their words of wisdom and encouragement. I admire the respect they hold for themselves and the reality of life.

You know the big things…

Today I am ready for June 5th, I am grateful and I am so very thankful.

Core – What core?

We’re gonna do what with my core?  I don’t think I even have one of those.  I’m going straight to Wal-Mart and buy me one – a strong one.  Ha!  Just kidding.  I know what a core is and it may have been strong some 35 years ago but 4 kids, 2 c-sections later …

Yikes am I ever out of shape.  But now at one week after the start date, I can actually feel a difference in my body and the doubts and hesitations are fading away.  Those probing questions floating around in my head like:  Will I finish?  Heck, will I even start?  Will I get hurt?  Is it going to hurt like this all the time?  are now:  How many classes can I fit in one day?  What do I need to eat to support the changes in my body? Where am I going to find a bike? and  When will I be able to get wet? 

March 4^th was my second stage reconstruction surgery and I still haven’t been given a full release to participate in the swimming.  I am concerned about my upper body strength and if I will be ready for the swimming part of the Triathlon.  Not to be deterred,  I will plug along working on my legs until my surgeon says I’m water tight. 

I am fortunate that I have not suffered many of the awful side effects of the Anastrozole.  Indigestion is a biggy with me with a few headaches and nausea.  No joint aches and pains to speak of and I attribute that to the supplements I am taking.   I go see my primary next month to check my cholesterol and bone density so I feel pretty confident right now that I am responding to the training very well.  I am amazed at the resilience of the human body.   

So last week is over and done with, this week is half way through and I am feeling pretty darn good. The training schedule allows for plenty of planning room and the people at the YMCA have been fantastic.  Tonight I go to Champion for my first Walk, Run, Strength work out. 

Beth

Beth is a breast cancer survivor and is training for her first triathlon with Capital of Texas Team Survivor. 

Meet Beth

Good morning!  We are in full swing of triathlon training and the Danskin triathlon is only three weeks away!  To give you a some inspiration to get you to the finish line (or the starting line:), we will be publishing Beth's journal as a first-time triathlete.   Meet Beth - in her own words.

I don't really know what the deciding factor was that prompted me to take on the Tri.  I guess that I felt I can do just about anything now and why not this.  I have always been physically strong because I have worked in a male dominated profession and it was important to "keep up"  so to speak.  The cancer showed up just a couple of months after my husband left me for his childhood sweetheart - Ha!  I was a mess withering away to nothing and truthfully I think the cancer saved me.  Is that possible?  
 
I'm 55 and Mother of 4
Single
Spent 15 years in the Water and Waster Treatment Industry
Forever finishing my bachelors
Presently working out of my apartment graphing radio metric data for oil exploration geologists and take on temp employment assignments with several temp agencies.  

I have a Caring Bridge Web site with my story. 

Welcome, Beth! Thank you for sharing your story!

What's holding you back?

Ladies!  It's that time of year again, and we are so excited!  Our annual Danskin Triathlon training is starting soon, and we hope that you will join us.  I know what you're thinking -- "A triathlon? Are you kidding me?" Maybe you think that you're not fit enough to do a triathlon, or maybe you have an extreme fear of the water.  You know what? It doesn't matter.  Our group of strong survivors come from all walks of life, all ages and all ability levels.  Our coaches and members have everything you need to be successful on your terms. Triathlon training isn't about crossing that finish line (though, it's a pretty amazing feeling).  It's about putting yourself out there and facing your fears.  It's a way of taking control of your health and your body. It's a way to connect with other survivors. You've already faced cancer and treatment, so what's holding you back?  You can do this!  Please join us.  Our last orientation session is tonight at Bettysport (5916-A W. 12th St) at 6:30 PM.

That is Why I Love Team Survivor

We love our teammates!  Today, get inspired by Mary Starr's story about what Capital of Texas Team Survivor means to her. Thank you for sharing your story, Mary! 

I was diagnosed in 1997 with breast cancer, stage 3. If you know about the diagnosis you know what it means to me.

For most of my life I did lots sports until I had children, Aaron and Ian. I dedicated more time to them than my need to keep in shape. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I had been sailing and racing Catalina 22 sail boat and had a great time, but... diagnosis came and I became a couch potato till a friend mentioned the Danskin Triathlon. What is that? So I signed for a walk at the 2000 race and realized I needed to get back in exercising but cost of living was not permitting me to join a group or health club and my excuse was that have had cancer.

After walking at the Danskin, I saw a 70 year old athlete passing me after she had gone swimming and biking -- that was my motivation to get back and learned how to swim. I was afraid of the water and my intention was never to do a triathlon, only to learn how to swim. Team Survivor was having a training session so I joined the classes.

After so many weeks of training and lots of encouragement from our coaches, I reluctantly signed up for the Danskin Triathlon.... with the condition to have a "swimming angel" that was our president of Team Survivor and she was pregnant with her first child and a miracle one after chemotherapy.  They (her and her unborn baby) were my angels forever. My goal that day was not to drown...  and when I was swimming all my energy was focused on if I survive chemo I can survive swimming... repeating this words stroke after stroke... after I don't know how many minutes that seemed like an eternity I was walking on solid ground again.... yes I did the bike and yes I walk the run route....

Team Survivor was my new HOPE. Team Survivor gave me my life back.  After 13 years of being a survivor and 9 triathlons, Oh yes,  46 mile ride in Mamma Jamma last year, I am alive! Whether it's the willing of living, the striving for life or exercising with Team Survivor, this group keeps me alive.  I hope I never have to quit Team Survivor. Team survivor is a Great Support Group of women that became part of my life, my friendship and my Heart.  That is why I love Team Survivor!

What are you waiting for?  Take some time to learn about the programs that Capital of Texas Team Survivor offers!